Spiritual Protection for the Paranormal Investigator

In the realm of paranormal investigation - particularly in the investigation of ghostly phenomena - spirituality and superstition often run side-by-side with scientific skepticism and critical reasoning.  More often than not, the paranormal investigator is forced to walk a thin line between the modern and ancient paradigms of human reality.  Whereas the paranormal investigator may want to remain skeptical, it is also important to have an understanding of the traditional views of spiritual existence.  Conversely, the investigator who is driven by a particular faith should also look to science and reasoning to lend credibility to religious concepts.

Skepticism is supremely important in the study of paranormal phenomena.  It is the extreme critical thinking of the paranormal community that will lend any credibility to claims of the extraordinary.  The well trained paranormal investigator will always seek out the simplest, most logical explanation to any claim of paranormal activity.  Suggesting a paranormal scenario is done only after ruling out all other more conventional possibilities.  In this way, even ardent skeptics will be more likely to consider findings of paranormal evidence.

However skeptical one may wish to remain, apprehension about the spiritual unknown may linger.  Fear of being harmed by an invisible entity is a reasonable concern if one is willing to entertain the idea of the existence of extraordinary, spiritual or ghostly beings.  The question may then be: how does the investigator protect himself or herself from possible paranormal harm without losing the skepticism which is so essential to paranormal research?

Consider this analogy:  You are camping in an area not known to have bears.  One local man says he may have seen a bear, but isn't quite sure.  Park rangers assure you that there are no bears in the region.  You may not necessarily believe the local man - but you may still want to bring your bear mace.  The same is true with paranormal investigation.  One can remain scientifically skeptical while at the same time taking precautions to be protected spiritually.

There are a variety of alleged dangers to be met while seeking out paranormal forces.  These can range from intimidation by an invisible entity to physical harm and even spirit possession.  It is important to remember that none of these dangers are scientifically proven to exist and that it is imperative for the investigator to maintain an open, yet skeptical mind.  It can be all too easy to "psych our selves out" or imagine some spiritual harm if we are not actively practicing our critical skepticism.  Whether or not these dangers are a reality is yet to be determined.  However, in the world of the paranormal, is always better to be safe than sorry.

Many investigators will agree that those who are the most fearful are often the first ones allegedly harmed by a spirit.  This may not be unlike a predatory animal attacking the weakest member of a herd first.  It may therefore be important to reduce fear and anxiety while investigating and maintain a strong, focused mind.  Some investigators may use the protection rituals of a particular faith, such as calling on the Archangel Michael for assistance.  Many may not feel such a thing is necessary.  Some, however, may want to use a spiritual protection, but do not know how.

The following practice is a simple visualization exercise based on my own experience as an Ordained Minister, a practitioner of Eastern and Western Esotericism and a student of various forms of spirituality.  The practice is designed to be employed by people of all and any faiths and "The Divine" is to be interpreted in accordance with one's own spiritual beliefs.  For those less spiritual or more scientifically oriented, practices like this can be thought of as a kind of psychosomatic self-suggestion to reduce anxiety in potentially paranormal situations.  In summary, practices like these can help one be less fearful of the unknown regardless of faith or spiritual orientation.  The following practice should be done prior to an investigation in a quiet and calm area.

Basic Spiritual Protection Visualization

• Close your eyes and take a moment to focus on your breathing.  Clear your mind.
• Say a short prayer silently asking the Divine for protection from any possible physical or spiritual dangers.
• Imagine a sphere of pure, white light surrounding your body.
• Take a moment to clearly visualize yourself at the center of the pure light sphere.
• Imagine a protective symbol - such as a Cross, Vajra, Star of David, OM Symbol or Pentagram -  made of iron outside of the sphere in front of you.
• See the iron symbol multiplying many times - surrounding the sphere of light -  forming a solid spiritual armor of iron and light.
• Take a moment to feel the protective power of this divine, impenetrable shield surrounding you on all sides.
• Give a short prayer of thanks to the Divine and slowly open your eyes.
• Allow the feeling of Divine Protection to stay with you throughout the investigation.

This practice can be personalized to fit the needs of the individual.  One may additionally choose to wear a pendant of the chosen protective symbol.  The incorporation of other traditional protective elements such as holy water, sea salt, talismans, protective herbs and religious images may also be employed.  

Whether or not one feels a practice like this is necessary for the paranormal investigator, few will argue against the notion that preparedness is the key to safety.  Keeping a first aid kit and cell phone handy is just as important as protective visualizations.  Being prepared for all possible dangers, be they mundane or spiritual, will increase the chances of a rewarding, successful and safe investigation. 

The Mystery of the Longyou Caves

In the summer of 1992, in Quzhou, China, a man set out to dispel a myth.  A local legend of the small village of Shiyanbei told that the ponds in the rural area were no ordinary ponds.  They were thought to be bottomless, inexhaustible water sources and were called by the villagers "The Unfathomable Swags."  Many in the village had attempted to measure the depth of the ponds without success.  The man, Wu Anai, had long had been curious about the ponds.  Were they indeed bottomless or were they, as Wu suspected, the surface of naturally eroded cave entrances?

With the help of three other villagers and several water pumps, Wu began to drain the water from the pond.  After three days of pumping, there appeared to be no end in sight.  It took a full 17 days to pump all the water out of one of the ponds.  While successfully proving that the pond did indeed have a bottom, the draining of the pond revealed an even more staggering mystery.  These were not simple, natural caves.  The bottom of the pond had man-made steles and a carved-stone staircase leading downward.  

What was eventually discovered was a massive complex of 24 underground grottoes carved into solid sandstone.  Each cave descends nearly 100 feet into the earth and many contain intricately carved columns, bridges, pool-like depressions and detailed murals.  The 24 separate caves do not seem to connect to each other, although all have identically matching parallel chiseling marks carved at precise angles.

The mysteries of the caves are vast.  It is estimated that over 1 million cubic meters of rocks had to have been removed for their construction.  This would have taken 1,000 people working 24 hours a day an approximated six years to complete - and this doesn't even take into account the engineering and artistic planning that would have been necessary.  The method of excavation is also perplexing. The uniform, parallel markings indicate a unique and laborious method of quarrying.

There is also the question of who may have built these unusual caves.  There are no records of the caves in any ancient Chinese manuscripts.  This is especially curious since the empires of China are known for meticulous record keeping.  Could these caves be the remains of an ancient, unknown Chinese civilization or is it possible the records of the caves have been destroyed by an Emperor who wouldn't have wanted his own accomplishments overshadowed?

Experts are still unsure what the purpose of the caves may have been.  Some have suggested that the caves were giant tombs for an Emperor, yet no funerary artifacts have been found.  Others have suggested that they were ancient palaces, but the open arrangement of the interior of the caves seems to contradict this idea.  Still others have postulated that the caves were military stations, but the length of time and detailed construction makes it unlikely that they were carved in preparation for war.   

Adding to the mystery, the caves seems to show no signs of corrosion despite being submerged in water for such a long time.  There are no signs of water damage, no dislodged rock piles and no evidence of damage from seismic movement or natural disasters.  How is it that these caves have the seemingly miraculous ability to defy the ravages of time?

The Longyou Caves remain a timeless mystery.  Were they built by ancient aliens?  Were they the product of an unknown, advanced civilization now long forgotten?  Whatever the origins, their legacy lives on in the minds of those who revel in the mysteries of our strange universe.